The first step in the inductive method is observation. Observation is a key step in studying the Bible. Observation is where you lay the foundation for all of the other steps. Observation asks the questions, “What do I see?” and “What does it say?”
Once you have selected the scripture you want to study, it is important to choose the main translation you will study. Chose a translation that you can understand.
When you start to observe, you want to read and analyze the text.
You are going to read the text several times. You may have to read it five to six times at first.
Reading the text in other translations is a good way to get a different perspective.
After reading the text, you are going to analyze what you are reading. You are going to ask yourself questions about the text. This can give you a general overview of the text as a whole.
Questions like:
Who wrote the text (author)
To whom was the text written (audience)
When was it written (time in history)
What type of literature (poetic, historical, narrative)
Sometimes this information can be found in the text or the introduction to the book of the Bible if your Bible has an introduction in it.
You can also ask the five W’s: who, what, where, when, and why.
To break it down more, here is what you can ask:
Who are the people in the text
What is said about them?
What do the people have to say?
What is taking place?
What is the idea behind the message?
Where is this taking place? (location)
When
What time is it? (morning, noon, night)
Why
Why is this included, or why would God choose to include this in the Word?
Also, in the text, you can examine the words.
You can look at the meaning of words you don’t know. Repetition of words. Words that compare and contrast. You can look at the grammar within the text: verbs, nouns, adjectives, etc. Words that are singular or plural.
Here are some examples of word meanings that can shape the meaning of a text in scripture.
Therefore, So, For this reason, So then, then (Conclusion)
For, Because, Since (Explanation)
So that, In order, As a result, In order that (Purpose/result)
But, However, Nevertheless, Yet (Contrast)
After, Afterwards, Until, When, At that time, Then (Expression of time)
Sometimes these words can shape how a sentence is structured and help you answer one of the five W’s.
When you are observing, the text take your time. It is essential to see what is going on in the text because it will help you with the next step, which is interpretation.
Listed here are some outstanding books that you can read and learn how to utilize the inductive method for my Bible study a little more. Check them out.
Living by the Book by Howard Hendricks
How to Study Your Bible by Kay Arthur
Searching the Scriptures by Charles Swindoll
Women of the Word by Jen Wilkins
